Yeah, ordinary masks are useless in the fight against Covid but respirator-grade ones like 3M 6000, 3M 7500 and such are good. Combined with both the right protective goggles like swimming ones and gloves they are capable to safe your lives. In this respect, it is also important to select correct size for both respirator and goggles that fits the face. 3M 7500 family:
This mask is not to face Covid.
It is for soldiers that are fighting in Syria... Stop scaring people and try to make them buy things that they are not necessary for them.
This situation and discussions just cause panic to them...
I have both the 3M and the N95 masks and have occasionally used them on various jobs. A couple of hours of work with something that generates dust or airborne particles, like cutting concrete, and the N95 really does not do the job. How do you know? Go do it, then blow your nose. Your snot is colored and looks like 1/2 the dust generated. Conclusion: 95% is not so great.
The 3M masks are great, you feel better and healthier, and really get clean air.
The negatives of the 3M series ARE THE WAY YOU LOOK!
You look scary. But in a medical Metter like this, the choice of protection cannot be based on scary looking.